U.S./Afghan Forces Launch Assault In Afghanistan's "Heart Of Darkness"

NIGHT FIRE
As seen through a night-vision device, U.S. Army Sgt. Joseph P. Khamvongsa returns fire against an insurgent attack on Combat Outpost Badel, Afghanistan, Aug. 25. 2010. Khamvongsa, a forward observer, is assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Gary A. Witte

U.S., Afghan Forces Launch Assault In Southern Afghanistan -- L.A. Times

The push into insurgent strongholds west of Kandahar, the Taliban heartland, aims to cut off the militants' supply routes into the city. The troops will gradually expand their presence.

Reporting from Howz-e-Madad, Afghanistan — Hundreds of U.S. and Afghan troops pushed into insurgent-dominated areas west of Kandahar city early Wednesday, hoping to establish a foothold not far from the area where the Taliban movement was born.

The assault south of the main highway in the Zhari district by elements of the 101st Airborne Division was aimed at cutting off routes that insurgents use to move fighters, explosives and drugs into Kandahar, Afghanistan's second-largest city.

Read more ....

More News On The U.S./Afghan Assault In Southern Afghanistan

US-led troops advance in Taliban stronghold -- AP
US forces advance in Taliban green belt stronghold -- AP
U.S. launches major operation near Kandahar -- Miami Herald/McClatchy News
Coalition troops press forward in Kandahar -- UPI
US offensive in Afghanistan targets “heart of darkness” -- Hot Air